#110 Trachelospermum jasminoides Common Names: Confederate jasmine, star jasmine Family: Apocynaceae (dogbane Family) Get link to this Profile or click for data record #110

Closeup of Confederate jasmine flowers - if you could only smell their perfume as well! [Click here to download a large version.]

Confederate jasmine grows as a neat tangle of slender wiry stems that exude white latex when cut. These are covered with thick glossy evergreen leaves that are 2 in (5 cm) long, oval shaped, and pointed at both ends. The stems will twine and clamber over supports and cling to walls and hard surfaces with great ease and abandon.

Variegated Confederate jasmine looks its best in spring with it colorful young foliage. Click to download a large version (800x600) of this image.

Location
Despite the common name, Confederate jasmine is not native to the American south - it comes from China but has been a popular garden plant in Europe and the U.S. for centuries.

Culture
Not particular as to soil but prefers well drained situations with some organic matter.
Light: Bright sun to part shade.
Moisture: Average water. Can tolerate drought once established.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 8 - 10. Look for cultivars that are hardy to Zone 7.
Propagation: Use rooting hormone powder on cuttings. These root easily when taken in the spring.

Jack has Confederate jasmine climbing up and all over a grove of longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) trees that perfumes the entire neighborhood for several weeks each spring.

Features
Pest-free, easy to maintain, drought resistant and heavenly fragrant, this is probably the south's favorite flowering vine. Confederate jasmine is highly recommended to new gardeners. It is easy to grow and satisfies with quick growth and a fabulous floral display. One of my favorite times of the year is when the confederate jasmine that climbs the pines in my front yard comes into bloom. On moonlit nights the warm spring breeze wafts exotic fragrances about that summon me outdoors to witness thousands of tiny white star-like blossoms glowing in the full moonlight. It's sooooo spiritual!

WARNING
Do not grow Confederate jasmine on trees that are near structures. Any vine (wisteria, Virginia creepers, English ivy, etc.) can make trees top heavy and subject to falling in high winds. If you grow this or any vine on trees, monitor growth and trim stems if it becomes too massive.

Jack Scheper 11/26/98; updated 5/3/03, 9/17/03, 4/27/05

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